The 7th International Conference on Sustainability Education (ICSE), organized by the Mobius Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO, NITI Aayog, and other partners, took place at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Over two days, the conference brought together educators, policymakers, industry experts, and youth delegates from India and beyond to discuss the theme “Sustainability Education for Green Jobs.” The sessions examined the necessity for changes in teaching and training methods to prepare for sustainability-related jobs in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, and the circular economy. The discussions also covered the blue economy, emphasizing the importance of education and skills that promote the sustainable utilization of ocean resources.
Participants highlighted the need to align educational efforts with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the global priorities set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 concerning quality education and SDG 8 on decent work. Inclusivity and equity were significant topics, underscoring the necessity of making green job opportunities available to marginalized communities. Speakers and panelists consistently stressed the need to rethink conventional classrooms, incorporating experiential and problem-solving methodologies while promoting vocational and entrepreneurial pathways. Leaders from higher education emphasized universities’ role in preparing graduates who are both employable and environmentally aware.
A central theme of the conference was the importance of collaboration among governments, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society to develop and expand programs that equip the workforce for the challenges and opportunities within a green economy. The conference concluded with several recommendations, including the integration of green skills into national curricula, strengthening vocational training and innovation ecosystems, and fostering entrepreneurship and multi-stakeholder partnerships. Dr. Benno Boer, Chief of UNESCO South-Asia, stated the necessity for robust collaboration between governments and the private sector to create programs that open new employment opportunities, highlighting that green jobs contribute to a more equitable and resilient world.
Pradip Kumar Das, CMD of IREDA Limited, remarked that achieving net zero by 2070 in India requires disciplined decarbonization along with a greater emphasis on green education, stating that empowering farmers and expanding green energy are vital for this transition. Amit Verma, Director of Green Transition at NITI Aayog, noted that preparing a workforce for the green economy necessitates bridging the gap between innovation and implementation through education and vocational training. Prof. Prithvi Yadav, President & Vice Chancellor of Shri Padampat Singhania University, pointed out that green jobs require not only technical skills but also a sense of responsibility towards stewardship.
Kartikeya Sarabhai, Founder Director of CEE, remarked that classrooms should transform into laboratories for sustainability, where experiential learning can prepare youth for impactful green careers. Youth representatives, including sustainability advocates Anuj Ramatri and Aalekh Kapoor, shared grassroots insights and climate action strategies with the audience.